Underage Possession Defense Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You have been stopped by police or campus security near Clarendon or Pentagon City, cited, and handed a summons for underage possession of alcohol. It may feel like a minor infraction, but in Arlington County a conviction under Virginia Code § 4.1‑305 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It carries up to twelve months in jail, a fine of as much as , and a mandatory six‑month driver’s license suspension—plus a permanent criminal record that can follow a student or young professional for years. When a case is heard at the Arlington County General District Court on North Courthouse Road, the stakes are serious. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with over two decades of criminal defense experience, represents underage defendants throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and the surrounding communities. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds underage‑possession cases—and how to challenge them. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Underage Possession Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Under Virginia Code § 4.1‑305, it is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty‑one to consume, purchase, or possess any alcoholic beverage. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The case is prosecuted in the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, unless the defendant is a juvenile, in which case the matter may proceed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Because Arlington County sits within the Seventeenth Judicial District, its prosecutors routinely handle underage‑possession matters alongside a heavy docket of DUI, drug, and property offenses.

Underage possession of alcohol in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of , plus a mandatory six‑month driver’s license suspension.

Source: Va. Code § 4.1‑305; Virginia Code § 4.1‑305

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

A conviction also creates a criminal record that is visible to employers, landlords, and graduate‑school admissions officers. In many cases, a first‑time offender may be eligible for deferred disposition—a court‑supervised probationary period that, if successfully completed, results in dismissal of the charge. However, deferred disposition is never past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the judge must both agree. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to position every Arlington County client for the trusted … Resolution, whether through negotiation, a pretrial motion, or a contested hearing.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Underage Possession Cases

A defense to an underage‑possession charge begins with a careful examination of the police encounter. Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to stop the defendant? Was the alcohol container lawfully discovered? If the underlying stop or search was unlawful, the defense can move to suppress the evidence, which often leads to dismissal. In Arlington County General District Court, pre‑trial motions are heard by a judge who expects concise, well‑supported arguments.

When suppression is not available, the defense focuses on the specific facts—whether the quantity was trace, whether the defendant reasonably believed the container was non‑alcoholic, or whether the defendant was merely present but did not possess the alcohol. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also explore procedural alternatives, such as community service, an alcohol‑education program, and a deferred‑disposition agreement, that can ultimately clear the charge. Throughout the process, we keep the client informed of each court date, from arraignment to trial, and appear at every hearing at 1425 N. Courthouse Road.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has built a multi‑state firm known for its careful, client‑focused approach. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to underage‑possession defense. The team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper—professionals who understand how the police gather evidence and how the Commonwealth’s Attorney evaluates a case. This insight is applied at every stage, from the initial consultation through trial. Results may vary. For a case‑specific discussion, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for underage possession of alcohol in Arlington County?

Underage possession of alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to , and a mandatory six‑month driver’s license suspension. The case is heard in the Arlington County General District Court. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record. In addition to the statutory penalties, a judge may order community service and substance‑abuse education. If you are facing a charge in Arlington, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your options.

Can a first‑time underage possession charge be dismissed in Arlington County?

A first‑time underage possession charge may be resolved through a deferred disposition, where the court places the defendant on probation and, upon successful completion, dismisses the charge. Deferred disposition is available under Virginia Code § 19.2‑303.2 if the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the judge agree. Requirements typically include community service, an alcohol‑awareness course, and a period of supervised good behavior. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly advocate for deferred dispositions in Arlington County General District Court.

How does an underage possession case move through the Arlington County courts?

The case begins with an arraignment at the Arlington County General District Court, where the defendant enters a plea and a trial date is set. If the charge is a misdemeanor, the trial occurs in the General District Court before a judge. The defense may file pre‑trial motions, such as a motion to suppress, at that hearing. If convicted, the defendant has an automatic right to appeal to the Arlington County Circuit Court for a new trial. Throughout the process, being represented by an attorney experienced in Arlington County practice can make a significant difference. Call (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

What should I do if I am cited for underage possession in Arlington County?

If you receive a citation for underage possession, do not discuss the facts with police beyond providing identification, and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Preserve any documents or messages related to the evening of the incident. Avoid posting about the charge on social media. The statute of limitations and court deadlines require prompt action; at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we can explain your rights under Virginia Code § 4.1‑305 and begin building a defense. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an underage possession charge in Arlington County?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, an underage possession charge carries potential jail time, a fine, a license suspension, and a permanent criminal record—consequences that can affect college, employment, and professional licensing. An experienced Arlington County criminal defense attorney can evaluate the police stop, identify procedural errors, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced or dismissed charge. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

Virginia Primary Sources:
Virginia Code § 4.1‑305 (Underage Possession) |
Arlington County General District Court |
Arlington County Circuit Court

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.